Why Your Networking Is Not Working

Does this sound like you?

*  You’re spending way too much time trying to network
online and are on networking overload.

*  You’re trying to keep up with all the threads that
relate to your business in all the social networking groups
you’ve joined.

*  You’re also monitoring all the discussion lists you’re
on looking for an opportunity to jump in and share your
pearls of wisdom with the others on the list.

*  You’re afraid to keep track of the hours you spend in
online networking because whatever the number is, it’s way
too high.

*  You’ve just gotten an invitation to join yet another
social networking group and while you’re very flattered,
you realize if you join one more group in an effort to
network your way to a full client roster, you won’t need
any new clients because you’ll be out of business

*  You’re spending so much time trying to master online
networking that you’ve totally neglected the face-to-face
networking that has been working for millions of people for
centuries.  (Come on, how do you think people built their
businesses before the Internet came along?)

I mean, seriously, how much time can you afford to take
away from your work to keep current on all the goings on in
all the online networking groups you belong to without your
business starting to spiral downward?

There is a solution to all this online networking mania and
it’s very simple:  Cut back on your online networking and
up your offline networking.   See?  I told you it was
simple!

Yes, I know, you don’t have time to get in the car, travel
to an event, and spend a couple of hours with people you
don’t know and will probably never see again, right?

You’ve been to lots of networking mixers and it never
seemed to work for you.  You’re shy and you don’t want to
appear pushy.

Any of this sound familiar?  I’m not surprised; I’ve heard
it all a million times.

If that’s what you’ve been thinking, you may not understand
what networking really is and how it works, and trust me,
you’re not alone in this.  I have found that the biggest
misconception about “networking” is that people think the
term is synonymous with going to formal networking events.

That couldn’t be any further from the truth. Networking
starts by forming relationships with people, getting to
know them and understanding what their needs are while they
are likewise getting to know you and understanding your
needs.

You can start these powerful relationships anywhere-at your
kid’s soccer game, on the commuter train, at the
hairdresser’s or at the doctor’s office-so if you’re
reluctant to go to networking events, fear not; there are
lots of other ways to start the networking ball rolling.

If, however, you do chose to include networking functions
in your networking plan, please do yourself a favor and
make sure you do everything you possibly can to optimize
the experience.

That means, among other things:

*  Attending functions where members of your target market
(or those who have access to them) will be.

*  Crafting a self-introduction that will grab people’s
attention and have them practically begging for you to tell
them more.

*  Knowing in advance exactly whom you want to meet and
what you want to get out of the event.

*  Having a follow-up plan to stay in touch with the people
you meet and deepen the relationships you began at the
event.

*  Resisting the temptation to sell your product or
services at the function.

*  Having a list of open-ended questions in your head so
you will never be at a loss for something to say.

These are only a few of the things that can help you get
the most out of any networking event so you attract more
clients than you ever imagined possible, easily and
inexpensively.  There are others, but the bottom line is
this:

BOTTOM LINE:  If you want to grow your business, step away
from the computer and do what the great sales trainer,
Floyd Wickman, has been preaching for years.  He says the
key to getting more customers and clients comes down to
three simple letters:  “STP:  See The People…belly to
belly.”

—————————————————-
Leni Chauvin, The Client Attraction Coach, has been helping
ordinary people build and market extraordinary businesses
since 1993. If you want to attract more clients, make more
money, and achieve more success, you’ll find TONS of
f.r.e.e resources to help you at
http://www.AttractClientsGalore.com